I'm done changing out pellets

[CMTiger]

In regards to the smoke tubes. I would think tubes would add way to much of a “harsh” Smokey flavor. The heavy smoke that rolls out of them and hours at a time seems overwhelming. I mean can you get to much smoke to where the meat doesn’t taste right?

I've never used them (in my amazon cart) but tons of folks here use them so I don't think that's the case. I suppose it's definitely possible to add to much smoke, but that's going to be a personal preference. Depends on what you like.

 

[HotSpringsBBQ]

In regards to the smoke tubes. I would think tubes would add way to much of a “harsh” Smokey flavor. The heavy smoke that rolls out of them and hours at a time seems overwhelming. I mean can you get to much smoke to where the meat doesn’t taste right?

You can always dilute the wood chips with pellets. Pellets themselves dont give off that much smoke really, but maybe everyones sensitivity is different. I personally can not get enough smoke, love it !!

 

[Duber]

I don't cook on the Traeger as often as many of you guys, so I still empty the hopper. However, I have also concluded that flavor of the pellets or even the brand makes very little difference in the taste of the cooked meat. Walmart still has Pit Boss pellets for $9 for a 20 lb bag and that's just fine for me.

I also agree that smoke from the tubes makes a big difference and thats where my focus will be. I am getting different flavored wood chips to test on the meats. They are so easy to use and produce so much smoke flavor that there is no good reason not to use them.

I've tested every brand available in my area...Willamette Valley Oregon...and I agree there's not a lot of difference between brands of pellets. The bag of pit boss was the exception for me. When cleaning my pro 34 after about 1/2 of the bag the clinker in the fire pot was so hard I needed a hammer and chisel to break it up. Photos of the chunks that came out....

 

[DJDDay]

who can't get over 350-375 with pit boss?

let me dispel that myth for you.

my 575 does it, often. like every time i do veggies and taters.

^^ THIS ^^

My Pro 780 has Pit Boss competition blend (40 pound bag for just $18 at Menards); it was 33F outside on New Years Eve and I hit 500F in about 19 minutes. No thermal blanket.